Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Clynelish
£189
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Clynelish |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 54.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £188.77 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £189 vs £250.
For beginners: Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £188.77)
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£188.77 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Clynelish 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 5886) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)